19th Century British History
The 19th Century is often referred to as the “long” 19th Century. In historical terms it stretches from 1800 to 1914, some advocate an even longer period from 1789 (French Revolution) to the outbreak of war in 1914.
What makes this time in our history such a fascinating period to study? Below are some bullet points to whet your appetite.
- Britain evolved from being a largely agrarian economy relatively unchanged in centuries to being the most powerful nation on the planet, why?
- In 1800 transport was horse drawn, sea journeys by sail. The end of the century saw railways covering the U.K., steamships and the electric telegraph which shrank the globe.
- Britain’s Empire grew enormously, covering every part of the globe. Why have an Empire anyway? The answers are complex.
- It was a century of wars. Britain fought against France, The U.S.A., The Russians, The Boers, The Zulus, and the Maoris, among others. It tried to steer clear of involvement in Europe, apart from the Crimea why?
- So, if you want to know more about Britain in the 19th Century, the transformation of a nation from being almost feudal where very few people had the vote, to the modern age without even having a revolution, this group will attempt the shed some light on some of these questions.
Jingoism
“We don’t want to fight, by jingo if we do.
We’ve got the ships, got the men.
And got the money too”
Late 19th Cent Music hall song.
| Leader: | Stephen Keane |
| When: | 2nd Tuesday monthly, 10.30am |
| Where: | Lairgate Hotel |